replacing doorknobs in a apartment?

[texas*princess]

OK, this is completely random, but it's my first apartment, and I don't really know anything about anything that requires any tool to install, so I thought I'd post a general question here.

My new apartment doesn't have locks on the bedrooms doors, and this kind of freaks me out. Maybe I'm just weird but I like to keep my bedroom door locked while I'm sleeping.

So - I figured I could buy a lock at the store, install it on the door, and just replace the original knob before I move out.

My only problem with that is I don't really know how to do it. The doorknob doesn't have little screws on either side of it, so does that mean it cannot be removed and replaced? Or is there another way of doing it that I'm not aware of?

Thanks so much to anyone who will respond to this completely random question

[_Lisa_]

I don't know the answer but I'd love to know!!! I'm moving into my first apartment on Saturday & it doesn't have locks on the bedroom door either. I'm really paranoid as well so I'd like to put up a lock too!

[texas*princess]

hopefully someone on here will know

[wrigley]

First of all double check with your landlord or apt. complex manager to see if it's okay before you make any changes. I know that's it's YOUR place but better to check before you spend the money on the lock. They may do the job for you.

To change a basic door lock, all you really need is a screwdriver. I didn't understand what you meant by the screws thing. The door jamb which is the side of the door that connects the latch thing on the door frame(oh god I'm so not Jane HomeDepot here Lol) should have the screws there. That where you unscrew and are able to take the doorknob apart.

Since I've taken to eating humble pie lately, if someone else can add or improve on my ideas so ahead.

[kafromTN]

I was going to try to type out a nice explanation, but this seems to be much better:

http://md.essortment.com/doorknobchange_rgnr.htm


Just my $.01654892 worth
Mark

[aephi alum]

It should be pretty straightforward. When you buy a new doorknob, it will come with instructions. All you really need is a screwdriver.

Just ask your landlord first. I used to live in an apartment where we wanted to put a locking doorknob on the front door (it came with only a deadbolt). The landlord was fine with it as long as we left a key with them and re-installed the old knob when we moved out. Unfortunately, when we moved out, the movers packed the old doorknob, so the landlord replaced it with a non-locking knob and took the cost out of our security deposit.

[Tom Earp]

Dont have to ask landlord squat about a lock knob on your bed room!

Go to hardware store, ask for a lock doorknob.

Screw driver and instructions will help you install!

May need two types, phillips and straight screw drivers!

[Rudey]

A lot of these doorknobs aren't standard - especially if they're in older buildings so it might be a good idea to take your old knob in.

-Rudey

[norcalchick]

door knobs and locks aren't that expensive. if you go to target or something, they're like $10- $20. i've changed door knobs before and it's really easy.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
Dont have to ask landlord squat about a lock knob on your bed room!

Go to hardware store, ask for a lock doorknob.

Screw driver and instructions will help you install!

May need two types, phillips and straight screw drivers!

Yes, you do need to ask, you can't change anything in an apartment without permission on most leases.

[Kevin]

I've changed many doorknobs. I probably did my first one around age 8 when I was just playing around with doorknobs I found in a closet. You really won't even need instructions. Fairly self-explanatory. Just use a screwdriver.

Personally, I wouldn't ask the landlord. They'll never notice. And if they do, it's 5 minutes to fix it back.